… the Kay Delight Kyte- Shako story

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

“I HAVE reached a peak in my career. Nursing has been the foundation, which has caused me to be catapulted in life. …I cannot be fooled about anything in healthcare. I did not spring up,” recalled recently graduated Doctor of Public Health, Dr. Kay Kyte Shako, who started her medical career as a professional student nurse in 1984 , at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing, and, is the current Director of Regional and Clinical Health Services.
As a holder of a Doctorate in Public Health, Dr. Kyte-Shako is now prepared for a career in advancing public health practice, leadership, research, administration or teaching.
But, her accomplishment was not ‘smooth sailing’ as there were many challenges, the major of which hinged on finances, which at times forced her to reduce courses of study.
“There came a time, when I had to stop and revaluate. Thereafter, I restarted because of the passion I had for public health. I had to understand that sacrifice was important. I had to deny myself so as to pursue those programmes,” she said.
During the four-year programme at Walden University, the Director was exposed to varying areas of study, inclusive of critically evaluating the interdisciplinary role of stakeholders in the application and evaluation of population – based public health strategies, application of research methods in the investigations of public health problems, apply systems, thinking skills and strategies for promotion of public health policy and advocacy, and an application of evidence based research and practices to promote positive social change.
In an effort to promote positive social change, Dr. Kyte-Shako, has initiated the ‘social services ministry’ at the Mount Sinai Assembly of God Church in West Canje, where her husband Clarence Shako, is the pastor.

This ‘new’ ministry is aimed to seek and help persons in need within the church and the community.
“Some aspects of people’s lives are not seen. We can pray, but, we need to meet persons’ needs. Some persons are suffering psychologically. Others are depressed. Some people are vulnerable and voiceless. I want to help them. I want to have youths empowered, so they can reach their potential.”
Describing herself as a purpose filled, self-motivated, self-propelled individual whose purpose is to empower, Dr. Kyte-Shako believes it is for that reason, God has widened her scope and vision, so she can help the vulnerable.

“I want to link persons with different individuals in society that will also help them to realise their potential.”
“For me, doing those things will help me to achieve my true purpose in life. That is the direction I want my life to go now. I have reached the peak in life, and I want to help those who cannot help themselves,” she said.

With respect to Public Health, the Director noted that while much focus is on curative medicine, it is her opinion that there is the need for preventative medicine and life style changes through regular interactions with the public.
That aside, Dr. Kyte-Shako, recognising the input of her family, referred to the famous quote by Sis Isaac Newton, “If I have seen any further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

“I could not have made it by myself. It was the constant help of a praying mom Mary Kyte and husband, Pastor Clarence Shako. My mother is a prayer warrior and a motivational force. She is always positive. My mom kept my children, Ahaiziah and Anasticia during the early years of my medical journey. My sisters. Attorneys at law Kim Kyte -Thomas and Kavern Kyte-Williams, along with Karen and Kendra, were very supportive along the journey, which was a rough road, with sleepless nights.”
Despite the challenges, Dr. Kyte-Shako believes that her achievement is as result of a dream as a little girl, who set high academic bars for herself.
After completing her secondary school years at Tutorial Academy and New Amsterdam Multilateral, she joined the New Amsterdam School of Nursing as a professional student nurse, and in 1987 became a State Registered Nurse.
The following year, she did an outstation stint at the West Demerara Hospital and upon returning to the Ancient County in 1989, commenced and completed the midwifery programme.
In 1993, she completed a one-year stint at the Skeldon Hospital and thereafter returned to the regional health institution in New Amsterdam.

During the years 1996 to 1999, Kyte-Shako, became a part-time lecturer at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing, during which time she obtained a certificate in the Health Science Manager’s Programme at the University of Guyana.
At the completion of this programme, Kyte-Shako graduated with a distinction and earned two awards from the Guyana Nurses Association, and the Ministry of Health respectively.

Not being satisfied with her achievements, the mother of two commenced her study in medicine in October 1999, and thereafter obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medicine and Surgery, before being appointed a Government Medical Officer, specialising in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) medicine. After years of public and private practice, she completed her Masters in Healthcare Administration at the University of Maryland in 2013, before commencing the Doctor of Public Health Programme in 2015.